Government to lift immigration cap on doctors and nurses

15 June 2018

Posted in:
Health & Social Care

The government has confirmed that it is relaxing immigration rules for doctors and nurses. There is a cap on skilled overseas workers allowed to work in the UK. It was at 20,700 a year for non-EU skilled workers. It will be lifted for doctors and nurses. This comes in the wake of increased numbers of staff leaving the NHS. As it faces recruitment issues, the government has been forced to accept a greater number of migrant workers.

NHS and other medical groups have been campaigning for some time to relax the laws. Health and Social Care Secretary Jeremy Hunt and Home Secretary Sajid Javid also advocated changing the limits.

Javid said of the issue: "I recognise the pressures faced by the NHS and other sectors in recent months. Doctors and nurses play a vital role in society and at this time we need more in the UK. That is why I have reviewed our skilled worker visa route. This is about finding a solution to increased demand and to support our essential national services."